Meet Dr. Gottstein

Dr. Gottstein smiling wearing a gray sweater against a brown background.

Ellie Gottstein, PsyD
Licensed Psychologist

Practicing in Virginia and North Carolina.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist who grew up as a competitive figure skater and dancer, and I still hold the identity of “athlete” close to my heart. I continue to spend most of my free time challenging myself physically through dance, Pilates, aerial arts, gym sessions, and running. My athlete identity continues to inform and shape my therapeutic approach. This looks like facing life’s challenges directly with a goal-oriented mindset and helping my clients tackle obstacles with determination and clarity.

I specialize in anxiety, depression, stress management, perfectionism, and motivation. All of the stuff that tends to trip up high-achievers. If you want practical, determined, no-fluff work that moves you, we’ll make progress and likely share a few laughs along the way.

We’ll click if you’re tired of making excuses and ready to get to work. We will tackle real goals and make real changes. If you want to finally claim the life you keep daydreaming about, face your fears, and confidently walk into that ideal version of yourself you envision, I’ve got you covered. I’ll support you, but I won’t let you hide behind comfort or fear; I expect me to encourage you with the occasional tough nudge when you need it.

During sessions, we will map out what you want, kick out the roadblocks, and build practical strategies that actually work for you as an individual. You’ll be pushed (in the best way) out of your comfort zone so the growth sticks. Ready to stop talking about it and start becoming it? Let’s do this.

I use proven, practical therapies such as ACT, CBT, and interpersonal process to get real results. We will identify the repeating patterns that trip you up, cause stress, or keep you from the life you want. Then we’ll use straightforward tools and strategies to break those cycles and move you toward the goals that matter to you.

You won’t get one-size-fits-all advice. Therapy with me is tailored to your values and individuality, and we’ll build it on a solid, honest therapeutic relationship—because change happens faster when you feel understood and supported.

Begin your journey to psychological strength and wellness.


Focus on psychological strength and wellness.

Step 1
Understand your “why”

Book titled 'The Power of Why' with '77 Human Needs' visible; gray cover with minimalist design.

Step 2
Create actionable goals

Overhead view of an open planner or calendar for November with handwritten goals and a white coffee mug with black coffee on top.

Step 3
Collaboratively work toward goal achievement

Two people holding hands, showing support, on a wooden surface.

Step 4
Arrive at original goals and push for continued life-long growth

Monarch butterfly chrysalis and emerging butterfly

“Life comes in waves. It is important to have the skills and resources to take each wave as it comes knowing that you can handle however big the wave becomes.”